Burnel Bolyard Byer

Burnel Bolyard Byer, also known as “Bunnie,” age 104, died peacefully May 20, 2017 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and Arnold Palmer of Libby, surrounded by family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. Bunnie was born March 31, 1913, near Egeland, ND, to Cleo (Bolyard) and Isaac “IT” Byer.

Bunnie was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred (Wood) and second wife Effie (Brower) Vigstol; grandson, Brian Palmer; brothers, Charles “Willis” (Mabel), Howard and John; sisters, Addie Posz (Bud) and Bernice (Jack) Reff; all of Mildred’s brothers and spouses, Clyde (Phyllis), Ralph (Maxine), Bruce (Clara), Arden (Norma Jean) Wood and sisters and spouses, Doris (Lloyd) Chaloupka and Lucille (Ralph) Neal; Effie’s son, Lee; several nieces and nephews.

After spending his early childhood in North Dakota, Bunnie’s family moved to northern Minnesota, near Bemidji, where Bunnie farmed, dug potatoes, chopped wood, hunted and did anything else that was needed to survive. He attended church with his family from an early age. After World War II, Bunnie helped take a load of horses on a Church of the Brethren/Heifer Project ship to Germany. Bunnie and Mildred were married in August of 1946.

In 1954, Bunnie moved his young family to Panora, Iowa, where he went into the Skelgas and appliance business with his father-in-law, Arthur Wood. He also later owned a Coast-to-Coast Hardware store in Lake City, Iowa, worked construction and helped build motels and did maintenance work. He and Mildred also lived in Storm Lake and then Bayard, Iowa, after his retirement.

After Mildred died in 1991 after 44 years of marriage, Bunnie reconnected with a childhood friend who had recently lost her husband. They were married in July of 1993 and enjoyed over 10 years together before her death. Bunnie and Effie lived in Plummer, Minnesota, and spent their winters in Mercedes, Texas. Effie had 11 children: Neil, Anne, Lee, Eldon, Ray, Dick, Russ, David, Dan, Steve and Maribeth. The combined family had several family reunions together.

After Effie died, Bunnie moved in with daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and Arnie Palmer, first in Coon Rapids, Iowa, and then in Helena and then Libby.

Bunnie had a lifelong love of hunting and fishing. He was considered the Daniel Boone of the family according to his sister Wanda. He was fortunate to be able to go hunting into his early 90s and drive to his favorite fishing hole until he was 99.

Bunnie is survived by daughters, Elaine Palmer (Arnie) of Libby, and Beverly Byer (Benn Titleman) of Centennial, Colorado; granddaughter, Christy (Palmer) Rusdal (Tim) and great-grandchildren Sidney, Casey, Leah and Jacob Rusdal, all of Libby; sisters, Wanda Johnson, Ida Eller and Milly Adams; sisters-in-law, June Byer and Evelyn Johnson; many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Heifer International, Lincoln County Hospice Services or a charity of your choice.

Thank you to all the caregivers that took such good care of Bunnie. The family appreciated it so much. Also, thank you to all those who kept Bunnie in their prayers.

A short memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, at Libby Christian Church Chapel. A graveside service will be planned for a later date near Panora, Iowa. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.